IW falls in defensive struggle

The Iowa Wesleyan football team squared off against the University of Minnesota-Morris on Saturday for their second Upper Midwest Athletic Conference contest of the year. The Tigers were unable to get their offense going and ended the day with a 13-7 loss to the Cougars.

Today's game proved to be a defensive battle with only three touchdowns scored in the game. Minnesota-Morris took an early lead, scoring on the first play of their first drive with a 48-yard pass. Iowa Wesleyan's special teams came up with a big play, blocking the extra point to limit the Cougars to six points.

The defenses on both sides would not allow another score for the remainder of the first half and in the third quarter. Iowa Wesleyan was the first to finally break through in the fourth quarter. The Tigers drove 67 yards on 16 plays to take a 7-0 lead over the Cougars. Stafford Lewis capped the drive off with a one yard rush and Jeremy Scholbrock's extra point attempt was good to give IW their first lead of the day.

Minnesota-Morris did not trail long, answering with a touchdown of their own on the very next drive. The Cougars covered 72 yards on seven plays to go up 13-7 over the Tigers. Iowa Wesleyan's offense stalled out in their final two drives, allowing Minnesota-Morris to run out the clock on their final drive to secure the win.

Demarcus Collins was 13-30 and 142 yards through the air and added 55 yards on the ground. Tanner Holder was the leading receiver finishing with three receptions for 45 yards in the game.

Dylan McDonald had seven punts on the day for 302 yards. His longest went for 65 yards, and he had one touchback and three that pinned the Cougars inside the 20 yard line.

The defense was led by Jaiya Garcia, who finished with 8 tackles, including 2 for a loss of 3 yards. Billy Williams added six tackles in the loss.

Iowa Wesleyan will return to their home field on Sept. 29 at 12 p.m., where they will host Crown College The Tigers are 0-4 on the year and 0-2 in conference play.